The players for the Philippine Mavericks team for this year’s IPTL were revealed during the press conference at the SM MOA Arena on Thursday. Photo by Mark Cristino for ABS-CBNnews.com
MANILA, Philippines – The International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) returns to Manila for its second season, with over 30 tennis superstars expected to play in front of Filipino fans from December 6 to 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Last season’s IPTL proved to be a smashing success, with over 30,000 fans watching the three-day event last November 2014.
“It was just about eight months ago when a group of big tennis fans made the quick and decisive move to bring in the ace players in the world of tennis to the Philippines, and last year, we made history,” said Edgar C. Tejerero, the president of SM Lifestyle and Entertainment Inc. during Thursday’s press conference.
“Today, as we formally announce the second season of the IPTL in the Philippines, that history continues,” he added.
The second season of the IPTL actually opens on December 2 in Japan, where a new team, the Japan Warriors, will make their debut. The league will then travel to Manila, then to New Delhi and Dubai, before concluding in Singapore.
The Japan Warriors will join the Philippine Mavericks – formerly the Manila Mavericks – the Indian Aces, the Singapore Slammers, and the UAE Royals in the five-team league.
“We just wanted to get a larger scope, rather than be central in Manila,” explained Philippine Mavericks co-owner Jean-Henri Lhuillier of the decision to change the team’s name.
“Our owners share the belief that through the Philippine Mavericks and the league, we can bring in more awareness to the sport of tennis, a sport that Filipinos can excel in,” Tejerero also said.
Pinoy tennis fans
Abhishek Ponia, the IPTL’s vice president for operations, said the Filipino fans were “one of the reasons we were a big success last year.”
“The fans in the Philippines received us with open arms. I would like to thank the fans in the Philippines and look forward to your support in coming seasons as well,” he said.
Ponia is confident that the second season of the IPTL can build upon the success of the first, especially with the players themselves being excited to return to the unique league that fosters teamwork and features a more relaxed, casual environment, as well as a different format.
“The Philippines will be another exciting leg of the IPTL’s tour,” Ponia said.
To help promote the IPTL, there will be a strong line-up of activities leading up the three-day event, says Tejerero.
“Bringing in the top tennis players of the world to our shores is a milestone for our country. We want the fans to be part of a yearlong celebration, instead of a mere three-day tournament,” he said.
As part of the planned activities, the Manila Polo Club will be hosting an invitational tennis cup using the IPTL format of play, with the winners receiving their awards during the IPTL Manila leg itself.
Confident Mavericks
Meanwhile, the owners of the Philippine Mavericks are confident that their team can compete at a high level in this season’s tournament, especially with world No. 1 Serena Williams in the fold.
“We are proud to have the No. 1 ranked singles women’s player, Serena Williams, headlining the Philippine Mavericks this season,” said Lhuillier. “We believe that she and her fellow teammates will bring home the title this year.”
Williams will be joined by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Treat Huey, Mark Philippoussis, Richard Gasquet, Jarmila Gajdosova, Borna Coric, and Sabine Lisicki in the Mavericks.
Aside from the Mavericks, Filipino tennis fans will also get to witness other tennis superstars, including 14-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.
Also coming to Manila are Tomas Berdych, Nick Kyrgios, Gael Monfils, and Agnieszka Radwanska.
Tickets for the three-day event will be sold starting July 15. The three-day, transferable tickets are priced as follows: P58,000 for VIP; P48,000 for Patron; P26,000 for Lower Box; P14,000 for Upper Box, and P3000 for General Admission.